Importance of Community and Mental Health Is A Human Right

 

Mental Health is a Human Right: Building Wellbeing Together in Our Communities

By Louisa McDonald

As May unfolds, bringing with it Mental Health Awareness Month, and Mental Health Awareness Week on 12th-18th May, with this year's theme being "Community," I find myself reflecting deeply on a fundamental truth: mental health is not a luxury, but a fundamental human right.

Community

Just as we believe in the right to food, shelter, and physical safety, so too must we champion the right to mental wellbeing for every individual. This year's focus on "Community" resonates profoundly with this core belief.

Our mental health is inextricably linked to the fabric of our social connections, the support systems available to us, and the sense of belonging we experience. When communities thrive, offering compassion, understanding, and practical help, the mental wellbeing of their members is significantly strengthened. Conversely, isolation, discrimination, and lack of social support can erode our mental resilience and contribute to distress, which can then lead to other social problems.

As a psychotherapist, I witness daily the profound impact of both the presence and absence of supportive communities on individual mental health. I see the courage it takes for individuals to reach out for help, often after navigating significant personal struggles compounded by societal barriers. This is why advocating for increased access to mental health services is so crucial. Waiting lists are too long, resources are stretched thin, and stigma still prevents many from seeking the support they desperately need.

Community plays an indispensable role in reducing stigma. A supportive and inclusive community provides a safe space for individuals to share their experiences without fear of ridicule or rejection. When people feel seen, heard, and accepted by their peers, family, and wider community, the isolating effects of stigma diminish. Community initiatives, peer support groups, and local networks offer opportunities for connection, empathy, and mutual understanding. These spaces allow individuals to realise they are not alone in their struggles, fostering a sense of belonging and shared humanity.

The simple act of talking openly about mental health within our communities can be transformative. When influential figures, community leaders, and everyday individuals share their own journeys or express their support, it sends a powerful message that mental health matters and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. This visibility helps to break down the ‘us vs. them' mentality that often underlies stigma, fostering a more compassionate and understanding society where mental wellbeing is prioritised for all.

We must work towards a community where mental health is included in conversations around and as part of everyone's wellbeing, and towards a system where timely, affordable, and culturally sensitive mental health care is available to everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Social Determinants

Furthermore, we cannot ignore the social determinants of mental health.

Factors such as poverty, inequality, discrimination, lack of education, unemployment, and insecure housing have a significant impact on our mental wellbeing. These are not merely individual challenges but systemic issues that require societal-level solutions.

Addressing these inequalities is a vital step towards creating a more mentally healthy society for all.

Breaking Down Walls: How Awareness and Community Combat Mental Health Stigma

One of the most significant barriers preventing individuals from seeking help and living fulfilling lives with mental health challenges is stigma.

This insidious cloud of negative attitudes, beliefs, and discrimination isolates individuals, silences their experiences, and often delays or prevents them from accessing the very support they need. However, the power of awareness and the strength of community are potent forces in dismantling this stigma.

When we actively engage in raising awareness about mental health, we begin to normalise conversations that have long been shrouded in silence and shame. By sharing personal stories, disseminating accurate information, and challenging harmful stereotypes, we chip away at the misconceptions that fuel stigma. Increased understanding helps people recognise that mental health conditions are common, treatable, and not a sign of weakness or moral failing. Educational initiatives in schools, workplaces, and public spaces play a crucial role in fostering this understanding from a young age. When we learn about the biological, psychological, and social factors that contribute to mental health, the judgmental narratives begin to lose their power.

Ultimately, reducing mental health stigma requires a multi-pronged approach. Increased awareness provides the knowledge and understanding to challenge misconceptions, while strong and supportive communities offer the acceptance and belonging that counteract isolation and shame.

By working together, fostering open conversations, and building inclusive communities, we can create a society where everyone feels empowered to prioritise their mental wellbeing without the burden of stigma.

The Role of Therapy

In the face of these challenges, therapy plays a vital role in promoting mental wellbeing.

It provides a safe and confidential space for individuals to explore their thoughts and feelings, develop coping mechanisms, heal from past traumas, and build greater self-awareness. Therapy empowers individuals to navigate life's complexities, strengthen their resilience, and cultivate a more positive relationship with themselves and others.

It is an investment in individual growth and societal wellbeing.

Self-care Tips

While systemic change is essential, we can also cultivate our own mental wellbeing through conscious effort. Here are a few self-care tips to consider incorporating into your daily life:

  • Connect with others: Make time for meaningful interactions with friends, family, or community groups. Nurture your relationships and seek support when you need it.
  • Set healthy boundaries: Learn to say no to things that drain your energy and prioritise activities that nourish you.
  • Engage in enjoyable activities: Make time for hobbies and interests that bring you joy and relaxation.
  • Journaling: Writing down your thoughts and feelings can provide clarity and insight.
  • Practice mindfulness: Engage in activities that bring you to the present moment, such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or simply paying attention to your senses.
  • Engage in physical activity (where safely possible): Movement has a powerful impact on mood and stress levels. Find activities you enjoy and make them a regular part of your routine.
  • Prioritise sleep: Aim for consistent and restful sleep to support both your physical and mental health.

As we navigate Mental Health Awareness Month and Week - and beyond - let's remind ourselves that even in our vulnerability, there is strength and the possibility for healing and inner illumination.

 

"The wound is the place where the Light enters you."

                                        - Rumi

 

IF YOU ARE UNSAFE OR AT RISK NOW

If you are feeling at risk right now, please reach out for support:

Samaritans:

Provides confidential support for anyone in distress.
116 123 (available 24 hours)
https://www.samaritans.org/

Mind Infoline:

0300 102 1234 (9am-6pm, Monday-Friday)
https://www.mind.org.uk/need-urgent-help/

NHS 111:

For urgent, non-emergency medical or mental health advice.
Dial 111 (available 24 hours)
https://111.nhs.uk/guided-entry/mental-health-help

Shout:

Provides confidential support for anyone in distress.
Text Text "SHOUT" to 85258 (available 24 hours)
https://giveusashout.org/

CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably):

Helps anyone struggling with life, and provides skills to help prevent suicide.
Call 0800 58 58 58 (available 5pm - midnight daily)
https://www.thecalmzone.net/ click ‘Get Help'

 

Important note:  if someone is in immediate danger, they should call 999.

 

RESOURCES:

While the content of this blog post draws upon my professional experience and general knowledge in the field of psychotherapy, the following sources provide further context and information on the topics discussed:

 

Psychotherapist, Mental Health Blog, Central London, Mental Health Awareness Month

 

 

 

A SHORT BIO

Louisa McDonald, Cert  DipHE  FdA  BA(Hons)  MNCPS (Accred)  MBACP  (she/her)

 

Louisa is a counsellor psychotherapist and workshop facilitator. She works with clients in-person, via telephone or video, and specialises in exclusively email only counselling. Besides being a therapist, she has over 20 years' experience working in the voluntary, private and public sectors, is a charity Board Trustee and a co-author of published academic articles.

 

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